SANAA, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Israeli airstrikes severely damaged Sanaa International Airport on Tuesday, destroying its runway, a passenger plane, and critical infrastructure, rendering the facility inoperable, an airport official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

   The strikes, which hit the Yemeni capital and nearby Amran province in the afternoon, killed three people and wounded at least 39, according to Houthi-run health authorities. Casualty figures were reported by the Houthi-controlled al-Masirah TV.

   Residents said fires raged for hours at two power stations in Sanaa, with flames visible into the night.

   The Israeli military said the attacks were in retaliation for a missile strike launched by the Houthis on Sunday morning targeting Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. That attack injured eight people and caused damage near the airport, according to Israeli authorities.

   In a post on social media platform X, senior Houthi official Mohammed Ali al-Houthi vowed further retaliation, promising missile strikes against Israel "in the coming hours."

   The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been launching drones and missiles toward Israel since November 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the war in Gaza.

   The group lacks modern air defence systems and has limited civil protection infrastructure. Cities under Houthi control, including Sanaa, are without public shelters, and key facilities such as the Sanaa airport serve as vital links for civilians, humanitarian operations, and diplomatic access.  Enditem